LunaNet is a NASA and ESA project and proposed data network aiming to provide a "Lunar Internet" for cis-lunar spacecraft and installations.[1]
It will be able to store-and-forward data to provide a Delay/Disruption Tolerant Network (DTN). The objective is to avoid needing to preschedule data communications back to Earth.[1]
LunaNet will also offer navigation services, eg. for orbit determination, and navigation on the lunar surface.[1]
Draft interoperability specifications have been issued.[1]
The LunaNet Interoperability Specification (LNIS) is the document which publishes the LunaNet standard. LNIS version 4 was published online in September 12, 2022. LNIS version 5 draft for review was provided online for comment late 2023.[2][3]
- NASA's instantiation of LunaNet is called Lunar Communication Relay and Navigation System (LCRNS).[4]
- Moonlight Initiative is an ESA project intending to adopt the specifications.[5][6]
See also
- Deep Space Network, NASA spacecraft communications
- Artemis program, NASA's return to the Moon
- Laser communication in space
- Coordinated Lunar Time
References
- ^ a b c d Empowering Artemis with communications and navigation interoperability Oct 2021
- ^ LunaNet Interoperability Specification, Space Operations Mission Directorate, NASA
- ^ "Moonlight services: seeking feedback for updated LunaNet framework". www.esa.int. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ a b LunaNet: Interoperability for Lunar PNT, Slide 4, International Committee on GNSS, October 17, 2023 Madrin, Spain
- ^ Project Moonlight Oct 2021
- ^ Moonlight Webinar Mar 2022
External links
- LunaNet Interoperability Specification Documents
- NASA's Lunar Communications Relay and Navigation Systems (LCRNS)